People forget that Hain already has a criminal conviction for conspiracy. It was this experience that presumably provided the basis for his 1984 book, Political Trials in Britain (still available on Amazon.)

During his conspiracy trial Hain elected not to give evidence, Lord Justice Roskill finding him guilty emphasised “He gave no explanation of his part over the incidents with which he was charged.”

In another legal case, Donna Easter, a 32 year-old single mother of two who worked in Mr Hain’s constituency office in Neath, took him to an industrial tribunal – she allegedly was paid £35 for supposedly a 15-hour week. There were allegations floating around at the time that she was also paid from petty cash to allow her to continue claiming benefits. Hain was not at the hearing in Cardiff, despite his desk at the Welsh Office being only 300 yards way.

Rachel Davies, the tribunal chairwoman, said: “It is unfortunate that Mr Hain is not present today to put his side of the case”. The tribunal found unanimously in her favour and she was awarded compensation of £2,746 and £299 holiday pay. Similarly today Hain once again stays silent when he is in the shit, as speculation grows that the police will be called in…